UltraCol vs Sculptra Korea
November 25, 2025
What They Are & How They Work
UltraCol
- UltraCol is a Korean-developed injectable made from PDO microspheres (polydioxanone) — same material used in surgical sutures.
- Its mechanism: Once injected, the PDO particles stimulate collagen production (neo-collagenesis) over time, then gradually degrade.
- UltraCol is often described as a “liquid thread” filler/biostimulator because of its PDO origin.
Sculptra
- Sculptra uses PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid) particles to stimulate the body’s collagen production slowly and build volume over time.
- Instead of immediate volume like hyaluronic fillers, the effect comes gradually over weeks to months as the collagen forms.
Pros & Cons
UltraCol
Pros:
- Strong skin quality improvement (texture, tone, elasticity)
- Suitable for delicate areas (under-eyes, thin skin)
- Lower risk of nodules in Korean clinics according to local commentary
Cons: - Less known long-term global data compared with Sculptra
- Might require multiple sessions for full effect
Sculptra
Pros:
- Established global track record for structural facial enhancement
- Great for restoring volume in deeper hollows (temple, cheeks, jawline)
Cons: - Takes more time for results to fully appear
- Requires skilled injector and correct technique to reduce side effects
Ideal Candidates & Use-Cases
Use UltraCol if you:
- Have skin texture issues, fine wrinkles, early aging
- Want improvement in under-eye hollows but with caution
- Prefer gradual, natural results with skin quality focus
- Are looking to boost elasticity and collagen rather than large volume
Use Sculptra if you:
- Have moderate to significant volume loss (cheeks, temples, mid-face)
- Want gradual but lasting lift/volume without fillers
- Understand that results will appear over months and are committed to follow-ups
What to Ask at the Clinic in Korea
When visiting a Korean clinic, ask the following:
- Which brand will be used (UltraCol or Sculptra)?
- Particle size and indication (especially for ultra-delicate zones like under-eyes)
- How many sessions are recommended?
- What is the injection technique (depth, cannula vs needle)?
- What after-care is needed?
- How long before I will see visible results?
- Can you show similar patient cases (especially for UltraCol if less globally documented)?
Final Recommendation
If I were to simplify:
- For skin quality + gentle volume + early aging → go with UltraCol.
- For volume restoration + deeper structural support + longer term effect → go with Sculptra.
In many cases, Korean clinics may even recommend a combination (e.g., UltraCol for skin and texture + Sculptra for volume) to achieve a balanced outcome.

Under Eye Hollow & Dark Circle Treatments in Korea: Complete Guide Dark circles and under-eye hollowness are among the most common concerns for both Koreans and international patients visiting Seoul. Whether caused by genetics, aging, lack of sleep, volume loss, or pigment issues, Korea offers some of the most advanced and effective solutions—non-surgical, minimally invasive, and tailored to each specific cause. This complete guide explains why dark circles happen , how Korean clinics treat them , the best treatment options , and what to expect before and after care . 1. Why Dark Circles & Under Eye Hollows Happen A. Volume Loss (Under-Eye Hollowing / Tear Troughs) As you age, the fat under your eyes decreases, causing a sunken look and shadows. B. Pigmentation Brown or gray discoloration that stays even when you lift the skin. C. Thin Skin The skin under the eyes is very thin, revealing bluish veins. D. Vascular Shadows Purple or bluish tone caused by visible blood vessels. E. Fat Herniation (Eye Bags) Puffy fat pads push forward, creating strong contrast and shadowing. F. Lifestyle & Genetics Stress, allergies, lack of sleep, and hereditary factors can worsen the look. Korean dermatologists diagnose the exact type first—because different causes require different treatments. 2. Korean Treatment Options for Under Eye Hollows & Dark Circles Korea stands out because clinics use multi-layered, combination approaches rather than one single treatment. Here are the top options used in Seoul. 1. Under Eye Filler (Tear Trough Filler) Perfect for hollowness , shadowing, and volume loss. How it works Soft HA filler is placed under the tear trough to lift shadows and smooth the under-eye. Benefits Immediate brightening Natural correction Minimal downtime Long-lasting (9–18 months) Best for Sunken eyes Deep tear troughs Hollow dark circles 2. Rejuran I (Under-Eye Skin Booster) Highly popular in Korea for improving darkness caused by thin skin . How it works PN (polynucleotide) injections boost collagen and thicken thin under-eye skin. Benefits Brightens darkness Improves texture Strengthens thin skin Best for Bluish/purple under-eye tone Tired-looking eyes 3. Laser Pigmentation / Vascular Laser Targets brown, gray, or vascular pigmentation under the eyes. Types used in Korea Pico laser Toning laser Vascular laser (for bluish veins) Yellow laser (for redness/purple tone) Best for Pigmented dark circles Mixed pigmentation Vascular shadows 4. LDM Water Drop Lifting Very popular Korean treatment for hydration, radiance, and tightening . Benefits Reduces puffiness Improves crepey texture Enhances overall brightness Often paired with fillers or skin boosters. 5. RF + Ultrasound Tightening (InMode, Thermage Eyes, Ulthera Eyes) How it helps Tightens loose skin Reduces fine lines Improves mild eye bags Best for Aging under-eye skin Mild sagging 6. Fat Repositioning or Under-Eye Fat Removal (Surgery) For patients with eye bags , puffiness, or severe fat herniation. Benefits Long-lasting improvement Removes shadows caused by bulging fat More dramatic correction than filler Best for Puffy eye bags Mixed dark circles + excess fat Korea is globally known for this procedure due to precision and natural results. 7. PRP / Exosome Under-Eye Therapy For improving skin quality, collagen, and brightness . Benefits Regenerates under-eye skin Brightens and smooths tone Works well with lasers or fillers 3. Which Treatment Is Right for You? ✔ Hollow / Sunken Eyes → Tear trough filler → Fat grafting (for long-lasting results) ✔ Brown or Gray Pigmentation → Pico laser → Toning laser ✔ Blue or Purple Darkness → Rejuran I → Vascular laser ✔ Puffy Eye Bags → Under-eye fat repositioning → LDM + RF tightening ✔ Thin Crepey Skin → Rejuran I → Exosomes → LDM therapy ✔ Mixed Causes (Most Common) → Combination treatments (Korean approach) → Example: Filler + Rejuran + Laser A proper Korean consultation typically identifies multiple contributing factors and creates a custom plan. 4. How Long Do Results Last? Depends on the treatment: Filler: 9–18 months Rejuran I: 6–12 months (series of 2–3 recommended) Lasers: Long-term with maintenance Exosomes / PRP: 6–12 months Fat repositioning surgery: Permanent RF/HIFU tightening: 6–12 months 5. Cost in Korea Approximate average pricing in Seoul: TreatmentPrice RangeUnder-eye filler₩250,000–₩600,000Rejuran I₩180,000–₩350,000Laser (Pico/Toning)₩100,000–₩300,000 per sessionVascular laser₩150,000–₩300,000LDM therapy₩70,000–₩150,000Fat repositioning surgery₩1,000,000–₩2,500,000Fat grafting₩1,000,000–₩2,000,000 Korean clinics often offer discounted packages for combined treatments. 6. What to Expect During Your Appointment in Korea 1. Diagnosis Dermatologists check pigment type, hollowness, fat level, and skin thickness. 2. Tailored Plan Usually includes 2–3 combined treatments for optimal results. 3. Treatment Session Quick, gentle, and minimally invasive for most options. 4. Aftercare Avoid sauna for 24–48 hours Ice packs if needed No heavy exercise for a day 5. Follow-Up Many patients return within 1–2 weeks for the next part of the treatment plan. Final Thoughts Korea offers some of the most effective under-eye hollow and dark circle treatments in the world thanks to its combination-based, precision-driven approach. Whether you want subtle rejuvenation or a complete under-eye transformation, Korean dermatology clinics provide tailored solutions for every cause of dark circles.

